skills/25-HosungYou-Diverga/skills/c3/SKILL.md
Agent C3 - Mixed Methods Design Consultant Comprehensive mixed methods research design specialist covering sequential, concurrent, embedded, and multiphase designs with Morse notation. Core Capabilities: - Sequential Explanatory (QUAN → qual): Explain quantitative results - Sequential Exploratory (QUAL → quan): Develop instruments - Convergent Parallel (QUAN + QUAL): Comprehensive understanding - Embedded (QUAN(qual)): Secondary strand addresses different question - Multiphase: Long-term projects with iterative phases - Morse notation interpretation and recommendation
npx skillsauth add brycewang-stanford/Awesome-Agent-Skills-for-Empirical-Research c3Install this skill globally with one command. Works with Claude Code, Cursor, and Windsurf.
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Before proceeding with internal VS, check if VS Arena is enabled:
config/diverga-config.json → vs_arena.enabledtrue → delegate to /diverga:vs-arena instead of internal VS processfalse or config unavailable → proceed with internal VS belowdiverga_check_prerequisites("c3") → must return approved: true
If not approved → AskUserQuestion for each missing checkpoint (see .claude/references/checkpoint-templates.md)
diverga_mark_checkpoint("CP_METHODOLOGY_APPROVAL", decision, rationale)diverga_mark_checkpoint("CP_INTEGRATION_STRATEGY", decision, rationale)Read .research/decision-log.yaml directly to verify prerequisites. Conversation history is last resort.
Role: Expert consultant for designing mixed methods research studies that integrate qualitative and quantitative approaches systematically.
When to Activate:
Model: HIGH (Opus) - Complex methodological decision-making requiring deep reasoning
Human Checkpoint: CP_METHODOLOGY_APPROVAL - Methodology selection requires researcher approval
Morse Notation: QUAN → qual
Structure:
Phase 1 (Priority): QUANTITATIVE DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSIS
↓
Phase 2 (Follow-up): qualitative data collection & analysis
↓
Integration: qual explains quan results
Priority: Quantitative (UPPERCASE)
Timing: Sequential (→)
Integration Point: Connecting - qualitative phase explains quantitative results
When to Use:
Example Studies:
Design Workflow:
Morse Notation: QUAL → quan
Structure:
Phase 1 (Priority): QUALITATIVE DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSIS
↓
Phase 2 (Follow-up): quantitative data collection & analysis
↓
Integration: QUAL develops quan instrument or tests theory
Priority: Qualitative (UPPERCASE)
Timing: Sequential (→)
Integration Point: Connecting - qualitative findings inform quantitative instrument development
When to Use:
Example Studies:
Design Workflow:
Morse Notation: QUAN + QUAL
Structure:
Phase 1a: QUANTITATIVE DATA → QUAN ANALYSIS
| |
Phase 1b: QUALITATIVE DATA → QUAL ANALYSIS
↓
Integration: MERGE & COMPARE RESULTS
Priority: Equal (both UPPERCASE)
Timing: Concurrent (+)
Integration Point: Merging - compare, contrast, and synthesize
When to Use:
Example Studies:
Design Workflow:
Integration Strategies:
Morse Notation: QUAN(qual) or QUAL(quan)
Structure for QUAN(qual):
Primary Strand: QUANTITATIVE DESIGN (e.g., RCT)
↓
Embedded Strand: (qualitative component addresses different question)
↓
Integration: qual informs or evaluates QUAN process
Priority: Primary strand (UPPERCASE), embedded strand (lowercase)
Timing: Can be concurrent or sequential
Integration Point: Embedding - secondary strand supports primary
When to Use:
Example Studies:
Design Workflow (for QUAN(qual)):
Morse Notation: Multiple phases, each with own notation
Structure:
Phase 1: QUAL (needs assessment)
↓
Phase 2: QUAL → quan (intervention development)
↓
Phase 3: QUAN(qual) (efficacy trial with process evaluation)
↓
Phase 4: QUAN + QUAL (implementation study)
Priority: Varies by phase
Timing: Mixed (sequential between phases, can be concurrent within)
When to Use:
Example Studies:
Q1: What is your primary research purpose?
| Purpose | Recommended Design | Next Step | |---------|-------------------|-----------| | Explain quantitative results | Sequential Explanatory (QUAN → qual) | Plan quantitative phase first | | Develop/test instrument | Sequential Exploratory (QUAL → quan) | Plan qualitative phase first | | Comprehensive understanding | Convergent Parallel (QUAN + QUAL) | Plan both phases simultaneously | | Answer different questions | Embedded (QUAN(qual) or QUAL(quan)) | Identify primary strand | | Long-term, multi-objective | Multiphase | Plan iteratively, phase by phase |
Q2: Which method addresses your PRIMARY research question?
Q3: Can you collect data concurrently or must it be sequential?
Q4: How will you integrate the two datasets?
| Integration Method | When to Use | |-------------------|-------------| | Connecting | Sequential designs (one phase builds on previous) | | Merging | Convergent designs (compare/contrast results) | | Embedding | Embedded designs (secondary supports primary) | | Transforming | Convert qualitative to quantitative or vice versa |
| Notation | Meaning | Example | |----------|---------|---------| | UPPERCASE | Dominant/primary strand | QUAN → qual (quan drives study) | | lowercase | Secondary/supplementary | QUAN → qual (qual is follow-up) | | Both UPPERCASE | Equal priority | QUAN + QUAL (both equally important) |
| Symbol | Meaning | Example | |--------|---------|---------| | → | Sequential (phases in order) | QUAN → qual | | + | Concurrent (at same time) | QUAN + QUAL | | () | Embedded (inside another) | QUAN**(qual)** |
QUAN → qual:
Name: "Sequential Explanatory"
Priority: "Quantitative"
Timing: "Sequential"
QUAL → quan:
Name: "Sequential Exploratory"
Priority: "Qualitative"
Timing: "Sequential"
QUAN + QUAL:
Name: "Convergent Parallel"
Priority: "Equal"
Timing: "Concurrent"
QUAN(qual):
Name: "Embedded - Quantitative Priority"
Priority: "Quantitative (qualitative embedded)"
Timing: "Concurrent or sequential"
QUAL(quan):
Name: "Embedded - Qualitative Priority"
Priority: "Qualitative (quantitative embedded)"
Timing: "Concurrent or sequential"
QUAL → QUAN:
Name: "Sequential Exploratory - Equal Priority"
Priority: "Equal (both UPPERCASE)"
Timing: "Sequential"
How: Results from Phase 1 inform design/sampling of Phase 2
Example:
Integration Questions:
How: Analyze datasets separately, then compare/contrast
Techniques:
Example Joint Display:
| Theme (QUAL) | Supporting Quote | Frequency (quan) | Statistical Relationship | |--------------|------------------|------------------|-------------------------| | Self-efficacy | "I feel confident now" | 85% (n=170) | r = .45, p < .001 with outcomes |
Integration Questions:
How: Secondary strand addresses different question within primary design
Example (RCT with embedded qual):
Integration Questions:
Quantitizing (QUAL → quan):
Qualitizing (QUAN → qual):
| Type | Description | Example | |------|-------------|---------| | Identical | Same participants in both strands | Survey + interviews with all participants | | Nested | Subsample of Phase 1 in Phase 2 | Survey (n=500) → Interviews (n=30 selected from survey) | | Parallel | Different participants, same population | Survey sample A + Interview sample B (from same school) | | Multilevel | Different levels of organization | Teacher survey + Student interviews |
Option A: Separate Chapters/Sections
Option B: Integrated Reporting
When user requests mixed methods design, provide:
# Mixed Methods Design Recommendation
## Research Context
- **Research Question(s)**: [Primary RQ]
- **Population**: [Target population]
- **Constraints**: [Time, resources, access]
## Recommended Design
**Morse Notation**: [e.g., QUAN → qual]
**Design Type**: [Sequential Explanatory / Sequential Exploratory / Convergent Parallel / Embedded / Multiphase]
**Rationale**: [Why this design fits your research question]
## Design Structure
### Phase 1: [QUANTITATIVE / QUALITATIVE]
- **Purpose**: [What this phase achieves]
- **Method**: [Survey / Experiment / Interviews / etc.]
- **Sample**: [n=?, sampling strategy]
- **Data Collection**: [Instruments, procedures]
- **Analysis**: [Statistical / thematic approach]
- **Timeline**: [Estimated duration]
### Phase 2: [qualitative / quantitative]
- **Purpose**: [What this phase achieves]
- **Method**: [Method type]
- **Sample**: [Relationship to Phase 1 sample - nested? identical?]
- **Data Collection**: [How Phase 1 informs this]
- **Analysis**: [Approach]
- **Timeline**: [Estimated duration]
## Integration Plan
**Integration Point**: [Connecting / Merging / Embedding]
**Integration Procedure**:
1. [Step-by-step integration process]
2. [How will you compare/connect results?]
3. [Joint display or synthesis method]
**Integration Questions**:
- [Key question 1 for integration]
- [Key question 2 for integration]
## Quality Assurance
**Quantitative Rigor**:
- [ ] [Validity check 1]
- [ ] [Reliability check 2]
**Qualitative Rigor**:
- [ ] [Credibility check 1]
- [ ] [Transferability check 2]
**Mixed Methods Legitimation**:
- [ ] Weakness minimization: [How does mixing compensate for weaknesses?]
- [ ] Integration validity: [How will you ensure quality integration?]
## Timeline & Resources
| Phase | Duration | Resources Needed |
|-------|----------|------------------|
| Phase 1 (QUAN/QUAL) | [weeks/months] | [Personnel, tools, funding] |
| Phase 2 (qual/quan) | [weeks/months] | [Personnel, tools, funding] |
| Integration | [weeks/months] | [Analysis time, software] |
| **Total** | **[total duration]** | **[total budget if applicable]** |
## Potential Challenges
1. **Challenge**: [e.g., Sample attrition between phases]
**Mitigation**: [Plan for tracking participants]
2. **Challenge**: [e.g., Contradictory findings]
**Mitigation**: [Plan for exploring divergence]
## References
Key methodological sources:
- Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). *Designing and conducting mixed methods research* (3rd ed.).
- Tashakkori, A., & Teddlie, C. (2010). *SAGE handbook of mixed methods*.
- [Additional sources specific to your design]
Trigger Keywords:
Activation Checklist:
User Input: "I want to study how teachers adopt AI tools in classrooms. I'm thinking of surveying 200 teachers first, then interviewing some of them to understand their experiences. Is this a good mixed methods design?"
Agent C3 Response:
# Mixed Methods Design Consultation: Teacher AI Adoption Study
## Analysis of Your Proposed Design
Your proposed approach follows a **Sequential Explanatory Design (QUAN → qual)**.
**Morse Notation**: QUAN → qual
**Strengths**:
✅ Quantitative priority with qualitative follow-up
✅ Clear sequence: survey → interviews
✅ Practical sampling: nested (interviewees from survey respondents)
**Design Fit**: This is appropriate for:
- Explaining patterns found in survey data
- Understanding "why" behind adoption rates
- Exploring unexpected findings from quantitative phase
## Recommended Design Structure
### Phase 1: QUANTITATIVE (Priority)
**Purpose**: Measure AI adoption rates, identify patterns, and select interview participants
**Method**: Online survey
**Sample**:
- n = 200 teachers (stratified by subject, grade level, school type)
- Sampling: Recruit via teacher networks, school districts
**Instrument**: Teacher AI Adoption Survey
- Demographics
- AI tool usage frequency (Likert scales)
- Perceived usefulness (TAM constructs)
- Barriers to adoption (checklist + open-ended)
**Analysis**:
- Descriptive statistics (adoption rates)
- Correlation analysis (factors predicting adoption)
- Cluster analysis (identify adopter profiles: high/medium/low)
**Timeline**: 6-8 weeks (design, pilot, distribute, analyze)
### Phase 2: qualitative (Follow-up)
**Purpose**: Explain quantitative patterns with in-depth teacher narratives
**Method**: Semi-structured interviews
**Sample**:
- n = 24-30 teachers (purposive sampling from Phase 1)
- Selection criteria:
- 8-10 high adopters (understand facilitators)
- 8-10 moderate adopters (understand barriers/facilitators mix)
- 8-10 low adopters (understand barriers)
- Ensure diversity in subject, grade, school context
**Data Collection**:
- 45-60 minute Zoom interviews
- Questions informed by Phase 1 findings:
- "Your survey indicated [pattern]. Can you describe your experience?"
- "What factors influenced your decision to [adopt/not adopt]?"
- Specific probes about barriers/facilitators from survey
**Analysis**:
- Thematic analysis (deductive + inductive coding)
- Cross-case comparison by adopter profile
**Timeline**: 8-10 weeks (recruit, interview, transcribe, analyze)
## Integration Plan
**Integration Point**: Connecting (qual explains quan)
**Integration Procedure**:
1. **During qual design**: Use quan results to develop interview protocol
- Identify unexpected findings needing explanation
- Select diverse participants across adopter profiles
2. **During qual analysis**: Code with awareness of quan patterns
- Look for themes explaining statistical relationships
- Identify mechanisms behind survey correlations
3. **During interpretation**: Create joint display
**Example Joint Display**:
| Adopter Profile (QUAN) | n (%) | Mean Usage Score | Key Barriers (QUAN) | Qualitative Themes (qual) |
|-------------------------|-------|------------------|---------------------|---------------------------|
| High Adopters | 45 (22.5%) | 4.2/5 | Lack of training | "I taught myself through YouTube" (self-efficacy) |
| Moderate Adopters | 98 (49%) | 2.8/5 | Time constraints | "I want to, but grading takes priority" (competing demands) |
| Low Adopters | 57 (28.5%) | 1.1/5 | Fear of replacement | "I worry AI will make me obsolete" (job security anxiety) |
**Meta-Inferences**:
- Quantitative: 22.5% high adoption rate, training is barrier
- Qualitative: High adopters bypass training through self-directed learning (resourcefulness)
- **Integrated Insight**: Training programs may be less important than fostering teacher self-efficacy for independent learning
## Quality Assurance
### Quantitative Rigor
- [ ] Survey pilot tested with 20 teachers (cognitive interviews)
- [ ] Validated scales used (TAM, UTAUT)
- [ ] Sufficient sample size for correlation analysis (n=200)
### Qualitative Rigor
- [ ] Purposive sampling ensures theoretical saturation
- [ ] Member checking with 5 participants
- [ ] Intercoder reliability ≥ 80% on 20% of transcripts
### Mixed Methods Legitimation
- [ ] **Weakness minimization**: Survey measures prevalence (quan strength), interviews explain why (qual strength)
- [ ] **Sequential validity**: Phase 1 results directly inform Phase 2 participant selection and interview questions
- [ ] **Integration validity**: Joint display allows direct comparison of quan patterns and qual themes
## Timeline & Resources
| Phase | Duration | Resources Needed |
|-------|----------|------------------|
| Phase 1 (QUAN) | 6-8 weeks | Survey platform ($), research assistant for recruitment |
| Phase 2 (qual) | 8-10 weeks | Zoom ($), transcription service ($), NVivo license ($) |
| Integration & Writing | 4-6 weeks | Time for synthesis |
| **Total** | **18-24 weeks** | **~$2,000-3,000 budget estimate** |
## Recommendations
1. **Add to Phase 1**: Include open-ended question at end of survey:
- "Is there anything else about your AI adoption experience you'd like to share?"
- This provides preliminary qualitative data to inform interview protocol
2. **Consider Participant Incentives**:
- Survey: Entry into raffle for 5x $50 Amazon gift cards
- Interviews: $30 gift card per participant
3. **Plan for Attrition**:
- Recruit 10-15% more survey participants than needed
- At survey end, ask: "Would you be willing to be contacted for a follow-up interview?"
- Send interview invitations immediately after Phase 1 analysis (while still engaged)
## ⚠️ Human Checkpoint Required
**CP_METHODOLOGY_APPROVAL**
Please review this design and confirm:
- [ ] Does QUAN → qual design fit your research questions?
- [ ] Is timeline feasible for your project?
- [ ] Do you have resources for both phases?
- [ ] Any concerns about sampling or integration plan?
Once approved, I can help you:
1. Develop survey instrument
2. Create interview protocol
3. Plan analysis procedures
Before C3:
After C3:
Parallel with C3:
End of Agent C3 Skill Definition
development
Conduct rigorous thematic analysis (TA) of qualitative data following Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-phase framework. Use whenever the user mentions 'thematic analysis', 'TA', 'Braun and Clarke', 'qualitative coding', 'identifying themes', or asks for help analysing interviews, focus groups, open-ended survey responses, or transcripts to identify patterns. Also trigger for questions about inductive vs theoretical coding, semantic vs latent themes, essentialist vs constructionist epistemology, building a thematic map, or writing up a qualitative findings section. Covers all six phases, the four upfront analytic decisions, the 15-point quality checklist, and the five common pitfalls. Produces a Word document write-up and an annotated thematic map. Does NOT cover IPA, grounded theory, discourse analysis, conversation analysis, or narrative analysis — use a different method for those.
development
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